SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020
"We are the church!" sermon by Pastor Daniel Mills
OUR PURPOSE: TO DISPLAY AND PROCLAIM THE GOODNESS OF GOD
1 Peter 2:9 - As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
PARALLELS BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
CHRIST IS THE LIVING CORNERSTONE IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD
WE ARE LIVING STONES IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD
1 Peter 2:4 – You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
Psalm 118:22-25 – The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, Lord, please save us.
1 Peter 2:5 – And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.
CHRIST IS THE HIGH PRIEST
WE ARE HOLY PRIESTS
Hebrews 4:14-15 – So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
1 Peter 2:5 – What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
CHRIST OFFERED HIMSELF AS A SACRIFICE
WE OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES
Hebrews 9:14 – Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
1 Peter 2:5 – Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
FOUR TERMS TO DESCRIBE THE PEOPLE OF GOD
1 Peter 2:9 – But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Exodus 19:5-6 – You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.
A CHOSEN PEOPLE
A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD (Revelation 1:6)
A HOLY NATION
GOD’S VERY OWN POSSESSION (2 Corinthians 6:16)
LET US BE THE ORGANIC LIVING CHURCH DECLARING AND PROCLAIMING THE GOODNESS OF GOD!
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